The following bulletin was released by Consumer Protection BC on March 25th, 2014

Consumer Protection BC has frozen the bank accounts and suspended the licence of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd., a debt pooler operating in Chilliwack BC. Based on consumer complaints, Consumer Protection BC began an investigation into the business practices of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd. (OCSC) and Mr. Don Antle.

Following an investigation into a licensed Chilliwack, BC-based debt pooler, Consumer Protection BC is requesting all consumers financially impacted by the business practices of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd. to come forward.

Evidence gathered through the investigation into Options Credit Services Canada Ltd. led Consumer Protection BC to freeze the business’ bank accounts and suspend its licence in December of 2013. Consumer Protection BC is further announcing today that Options Credit Services Canada Ltd.’s debt pooling licence has been cancelled after the business was found to have breached several sections of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the Debt Collection Industry Regulation.

“This has been a complex investigation from the start, involving a number of consumers and a variety of financial transactions. We are very concerned about the financial impact that may be felt by consumers as a result of this company’s business practices,” says Tayt Winnitoy, Vice President of Operations at Consumer Protection BC. “We will make every effort to help consumers receive whatever refunds are possible.”

Consumers financially impacted by the business practices of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd. or its owner Don Antle are asked to fill out the Consumer Protection BC Debt Pooling Claim Form online or contact the inquiry unit at info@consumerprotectionbc.ca if they have further questions about the claim form.

A backgrounder on debt pooling in BC, as well as other tips, information and a list of BC-licensed debt poolers, can be found on Consumer Protection BC’s online portal at www.debtrightsbc.ca. All recent Consumer Protection BC enforcement actions are also published on Consumer Protection BC’s corporate website, http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.